Cleaning chemicals and disinfectants play a vital role in the provision of public health; they are the first line of defence against harmful viruses and bacteria. Their safe and effective use in public areas is therefore key to infection prevention and control, writes Diversey.

Should the industry seek to educate the public on personal hygiene, or should they leave this to impartial experts? We ask hygiene companies whether they are spreading the 'hygiene for health' message – and if it is really their place to do so.

Everyone seems to be a hygiene expert these days. Since the recent E.Coli outbreak in Germany and

Often, consciously or unconsciously, the assessment of cleaning is based only on the visual result. Surfaces and floors are considered clean when no dirt or smears are evident. But mopping systems specialist Vermop asks, is this always enough? Is a more differentiated approach needed in individual areas? Is 'apparently pristine' the same as

When an outbreak of disease occurs in an enclosed space - such as on a cruise ship or in a hospital ward - the management has to act fast to eliminate any risk to other passengers or patients. Ann Laffeaty finds out how to go about cleaning up after an outbreak.

When an outbreak of illness occurs we all feel vulnerable. But in an enclosed space

Hand washing with soap is in fact among the most effective and inexpensive ways to prevent the spread of a whole host of viruses, such as Norovirus, Rotavirus and Influenza, as well as diarrhoeal diseases and pneumonia. Kimberly-Clark Professional explains why hand hygiene really is a public health issue.

The fact large areas also need to be cleaned in accordance with the increased demands on cleanliness does not mean that hygiene and efficiency represent conflicting aspects. Modern scrubber dryers use various technologies to increase efficiency without reducing the quality of the results of cleaning - explains Hako.